big fish casino free
Global Laparoscopic Instruments Market Poised for Tremendous Growth from 2024 to 2032
New Jackpot.com customers can claim a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play with promo code XMAS SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Christmas Day just hours away, lottery players across the country are preparing for an extraordinary opportunity to take home Mega Millions' seventh-largest Jackpot as a winner has not won the grand prize in the last 29 drawings, dating back to September 10th when a Texas resident took home $810 million . 2024 has already been a record-breaking year for the lottery as it hit the ground running with a massive $842.4 million Powerball win on New Year's Day. Shortly after, a second lucky winner took home a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, followed by a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded. 2025 represents a significant year for Mega Millions players, as the game as they know it will undergo a variety of changes come April. The game will feature larger starting jackpots, expedited rollover growth, and better odds. Lottery courier services like Jackpot.com eagerly await these welcome changes, which will not only enhance gameplay, but also elevate player experience(s). "There's a lot to like about the upcoming changes to Mega Millions," said CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com , Akshay Khanna . "Whether you're a casual player or avid lottery user, the faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and built-in multipliers will offer an entirely new feel to the game - hopefully one that encourages new players to get in on the action. That said, we have a one billion-dollar prize just before Christmas and potentially the ultimate present for one lucky winner, a life-changing gift at that." While tonight's drawing occurs on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won just once on the "Eve." Back in 2002, a $68 million jackpot was won in New York , unfortunately going unclaimed. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Texas , and Arizona , New Jackpot.com customers can get in on the fun this holiday by scoring a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS. Amid the Mega Millions frenzy, Jackpot.com remains committed to upholding responsible gaming protocols through the integration of modern conveniences and safety guardrails, one of the standout features of digital lottery platforms. Through responsible gaming protections including spend limits, default limits on daily deposits, access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior arise, Jackpot.com ensures safe and secure transactions and play. The platform is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling . To get started, download the Jackpot.com Lottery App on the iOS or Android App Stores, or visit www.jackpot.com to learn more. About Jackpot.com Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio and Texas , Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app. Jason Heller Senior Vice President 212.584.4278| 5WPR.com 3 Park Avenue, Floor 19 New York, NY 10016 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tickets-to-the-1-billion-mega-millions-draw-available-this-christmas-eve-on-jackpotcom-302339022.html SOURCE Jackpot.com49ers RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason placed on IRJapan, the United States and South Korea affirmed Monday they will continue to closely work together in dealing with North Korea, amid the political chaos in Seoul brought about by President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law. During a meeting in Tokyo, senior officials from the three nations reiterated "serious concerns" over North Korea's advancing military cooperation with Russia, such as its recent dispatch of troops to help in the war against Ukraine, and its nuclear and missile development programs, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry. The gathering came after a North Korea-Russia defense cooperation treaty took effect Wednesday, with the accord including a provision for mutual assistance if either country comes under attack. The talks involved Hiroyuki Namazu, director general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Cho Koo Rae, South Korea's vice foreign minister for strategy and intelligence. The three countries underscored the importance of cooperation "even in the face of various complicating situations," the ministry said, alluding to last week's developments in South Korea. They also discussed progress on initiatives to advance trilateral cooperation to disrupt North Korea's "malicious" cyber activities and reaffirmed their commitment to jointly seeking the immediate return of abductees, detainees and unrepatriated prisoners of war in the country, according to the U.S. State Department. Yoon's declaration of martial law, which lasted only six hours from late Tuesday, triggered harsh criticism from the country's public and lawmakers. The president survived an opposition-led impeachment attempt over the weekend, but the ruling party has said he will not be actively governing ahead of his impending resignation. Since Yoon, a conservative known for his hard-line stance toward North Korea, took office in 2022, the United States and its two close Asian allies have been boosting their defense collaboration. South Korea and Japan have also seen their bilateral ties improve after years of strained ties over wartime compensation and other disputes.
NEW YORK , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of all purchasers of common stock of MGP Ingredients, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGPI) between May 4, 2023 and October 30, 2024 . A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . So what: If you purchased MGPI common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 14, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about MGPI's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants repeatedly touted a strong demand and "normal" inventory levels in brown goods (i.e., American whiskies and tequila), when in fact there had been a slowdown in consumption and oversupply in their products. Worse, defendants had assured investors that they were positioned differently than their competitors, and that this was a non-issue, because MGPI had already taken steps to mitigate the risk, when in fact it had not. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the MGPI class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9167 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgpi-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-mgp-ingredients-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302338947.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Ancient Terracotta Warrior general unearthed at Emperor’s mausoleum in 1st discovery of its kind after 30yrs of digging
Zhao Lusi, known for her roles in various television dramas, has a massive fan base who adores and supports her. However, with popularity comes jealousy and negativity. Some individuals took it upon themselves to target and bully fans of Zhao Lusi, spreading hateful comments and engaging in online harassment.The Apple Watch is a technological marvel that seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, providing us with a plethora of features and functionalities right at our wrist. However, one peculiar phenomenon that many Apple Watch users have undoubtedly encountered is its tendency to inexplicably stick to glass surfaces. This seemingly magical occurrence can be attributed to the intriguing properties of optically clear adhesive (OCA) that is used in the construction of the Apple Watch, which we will delve into in this article.WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel on Monday failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel, leaving the decision to President Joe Biden, who opposes the deal. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, sent its long-awaited report on the merger to Biden, who formally came out against the deal in March. He has 15 days to reach a final decision, the White House said. A U.S. official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the private report, said some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. Monday was the deadline to approve the deal, recommend that Biden block it or extend the review process. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have courted unionized workers at U.S. Steel and vowed to block the acquisition amid concerns about foreign ownership of a flagship American company. The economic risk, however, is giving up Nippon Steel's potential investments in the mills and upgrades that might help preserve steel production within the United States. Under the terms of the proposed $14.9 billion all-cash deal, U.S. Steel would keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, where it was founded in 1901 by J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. It would become a subsidiary of Nippon Steel, and the combined company would be among the top three steelmakers in the world, according to 2023 figures from the World Steel Association. Biden, backed by the United Steelworkers, said earlier this year that it was "vital for (U.S. Steel) to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.” Trump has also opposed the acquisition and vowed earlier this month on his Truth Social platform to “block this deal from happening.” He proposed reviving U.S. Steel's flagging fortunes “through a series of Tax Incentives and Tariffs.” The steelworkers union questions if Nippon Steel would keep jobs at unionized plants, make good on collectively bargained benefits or protect American steel production from cheap foreign imports. “Our union has been calling for strict government scrutiny of the sale since it was announced. Now it’s up to President Biden to determine the best path forward,” David McCall, the steelworkers' president, said in a statement Monday. “We continue to believe that means keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated.” Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have waged a public relations campaign to win over skeptics. U.S. Steel said in a statement Monday that the deal “is the best way, by far, to ensure that U.S. Steel, including its employees, communities, and customers, will thrive well into the future.” Nippon Steel said Tuesday that it had been informed by CFIUS that it had referred the case to Biden, and urged him to “reflect on the great lengths that we have gone to to address any national security concerns that have been raised and the significant commitments we have made to grow U. S. Steel, protect American jobs, and strengthen the entire American steel industry, which will enhance American national security.” “We are confident that our transaction should and will be approved if it is fairly evaluated on its merits,” it said in a statement. A growing number of conservatives have publicly backed the deal, as Nippon Steel began to win over some steelworkers union members and officials in areas near its blast furnaces in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Many backers said Nippon Steel has a stronger financial balance sheet than rival Cleveland-Cliffs to invest the necessary cash to upgrade aging U.S. Steel blast furnaces. Nippon Steel pledged to invest $2.7 billion in United Steelworkers-represented facilities, including U.S. Steel’s blast furnaces, and promised not to import steel slabs that would compete with the blast furnaces. It also pledged to protect U.S. Steel in trade matters and to not lay off employees or close plants during the term of the basic labor agreement. Earlier this month, it offered $5,000 in closing bonuses to U.S. Steel employees, a nearly $100 million expense. Nippon Steel also said it was best positioned to help American steel compete in an industry dominated by the Chinese. The proposed sale came during a tide of renewed political support for rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector, a presidential campaign in which Pennsylvania was a prime battleground, and a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel. Chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, CFIUS screens business deals between U.S. firms and foreign investors and can block sales or force parties to change the terms of an agreement to protect national security. Congress significantly expanded the committee's powers through the 2018 Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, known as FIRRMA. In September, Biden issued an executive order broadening the factors the committee should consider when reviewing deals — such as how they impact the U.S. supply chain or if they put Americans’ personal data at risk. Nippon Steel has factories in the U.S., Mexico, China and Southeast Asia. It supplies the world’s top automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp. , and makes steel for railways, pipes, appliances and skyscrapers. Levy reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed to this report.
Nets fall to 76ers in NBA Cup play despite another big night from Cam Johnson
Arizona falls to TCU 49-28, Wildcats out of bowl contention in Brent Brennan's first seasonSAND SPRINGS, Okla. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Webco Industries, Inc. (OTC: WEBC) today reported results for our first quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ended October 31, 2024 . For our first quarter of fiscal year 2025, we had a net loss of $0.1 million , or a loss of $0.13 per diluted share, while in our first quarter of fiscal year 2024, we had net income of $5.1 million , or $6.25 per diluted share. Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 were $141.4 million , a 10.4 percent decrease from the $157.8 million of sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Dana S. Weber , Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair, stated, "The domestic manufacturing economy has been worsening over the past year. Further, we have certain markets that are being adversely impacted by foreign imports. We continue to focus on positioning Webco for various economic environments and opportunities by maintaining a strong balance sheet and good liquidity and making compelling investments in our business. Our total cash, short-term investments and available credit on our revolver were $89.0 million at October 31, 2024 , which we believe to be a competitive advantage." In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, we had income from operations of $1.1 million after depreciation of $4.7 million . The first fiscal quarter of the prior year generated income from operations of $8.0 million after depreciation of $3.7 million . Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was $13.6 million , or 9.7 percent of net sales, compared to $21.6 million , or 13.7 percent of net sales, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $12.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 and $13.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. SG&A expenses in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 reflect a decrease in costs related to lower profitability, such as company-wide incentive compensation and variable pay programs, offset by inflation we have experienced in wages and other expenses. Interest expense was $1.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 and $1.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal year 2024. Average construction-based investments decreased in fiscal year 2025 and, as a result, capitalized interest decreased $0.2 million when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Capitalized interest decreases net interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Notwithstanding capitalized interest, the impact of increased interest rates was more than offset by lower average debt balances. Capital expenditures incurred amounted to $5.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, down from $10.1 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. Included in our capital spending for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was construction of our F. William Weber Leadership Campus, which houses our Tech Center and corporate headquarters. The Tech Center, which is the tip of the spear that leads Webco's trusted and technical brand throughout our industry, was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. As of October 31, 2024 , we had $18.6 million in cash and short-term investments, in addition to $70.4 million of available borrowing under our $220 million senior revolving credit facility. Availability on the revolver, which had $44.0 million drawn at October 31, 2024 , was subject to advance rates on eligible accounts receivable and inventories. Our term loan and revolver mature in September 2027. Accounting rules require asset-based debt agreements like our revolver to be classified as a current liability, despite its fiscal year 2028 maturity. Webco's stock repurchase program authorizes the purchase of our outstanding common stock in private or open market transactions. In September 2023 , the Company's Board of Directors refreshed the repurchase program with a new limit of up to $40 million and extended the program's expiration until July 31 , 2026. We purchased 2,850 shares of our stock during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Including the current fiscal year, Webco has purchased approximately 158,000 shares over the course of the last five fiscal years. The repurchase plan may be extended, suspended or discontinued at any time, without notice, at the Board's discretion. Webco's mission is to continuously build on our strengths as we create a vibrant company for the ages. We leverage our core values of trust and teamwork, continuously building strength, agility and innovation. We focus on practices that support our brand such that we are 100% engaged every day to build a forever kind of company for our Trusted Teammates, customers, business partners, investors and community. We provide high-quality carbon steel, stainless steel and other metal specialty tubing products designed to industry and customer specifications. We have five tube production facilities in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania and eight value-added facilities in Oklahoma , Illinois , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Texas , serving customers globally. Our F. William Weber Leadership Campus is in Sand Springs, Oklahoma and houses our corporate offices and our Webco TechCenterTM, providing a state-of-the-art laboratory and R & D facility to lead and develop technical solutions. Risk Factors and Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release, including, but not limited to, those preceded by or predicated upon the words "anticipates," "appears," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forever," "hopes," "intends," "plans," "projects," "pursue," "should," "will," "wishes," or similar words may constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied herein. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include the factors discussed above and, among others: general economic and business conditions, including any global economic downturn; government policy or low hydrocarbon prices that stifle domestic investment in energy; competition from foreign imports, including any impacts associated with dumping or the strength of the U.S. dollar; political or social environments that are unfriendly to industrial or energy-related businesses; changes in manufacturing technology; the banking environment, including availability of adequate financing; worldwide and domestic monetary policy; changes in tax rates and regulation; regulatory and permitting requirements, including, but not limited to, environmental, workforce, healthcare, safety and national security; availability and cost of adequate qualified and competent personnel; changes in import / export tariff or restrictions; volatility in raw material cost and availability for the Company, its customers and vendors; the cost and availability, including time for delivery, of parts and services necessary to maintain equipment essential to the Company's manufacturing activities; the cost and availability of manufacturing supplies, including process gases; volatility in oil, natural gas and power cost and availability; world-wide or national transition from hydrocarbon sources of energy that adversely impact demand for our products; problems associated with product development efforts; significant shifts in product demand away from internal combustion engine automobiles; appraised values of inventories that can impact available borrowing under the Company's credit facility; declaration of material adverse change by a lender; industry capacity; domestic competition; loss of, or reductions in, purchases by significant customers and customer work stoppages; work stoppages by critical suppliers; labor unrest; conditions, including acts of God, that require more costly transportation of raw materials; accidents, equipment failures and insured or uninsured casualties; third-party product liability claims; flood, tornado, winter storms and other natural disasters; customer or supplier bankruptcy; customer or supplier declarations of force majeure; customer or supplier breach of contract; insurance cost and availability; lack of insurance coverage for floods; the cost associated with providing healthcare benefits to employees; customer claims; supplier quality or delivery problems; technical and data processing capabilities; cyberattack on our information technology infrastructure; world, domestic or regional health crises; vaccine mandates or related governmental policy that would cause significant portions of our workforce, or that of our customers or vendors, to leave their current employment; global or regional wars and conflicts; our inability or unwillingness to comply with rules required to maintain the quotation of our shares on any market place; and our inability to repurchase the Company's stock. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such forward-looking statements. No assurance is provided that current results are indicative of those that will be realized in the future. - TABLES FOLLOW - WEBCO INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data - Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net sales $ 141,386 $ 157,837 Cost of sales 127,740 136,231 Gross profit 13,646 21,606 Selling, general & administrative expenses 12,564 13,629 Income (loss) from operations 1,082 7,977 Interest expense 1,151 1,293 Pretax income (loss) (69) 6,684 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 37 1,600 Net income (loss) $ (106) $ 5,084 Net income (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.13) $ 6.43 Diluted $ (0.13) $ 6.25 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 798,000 790,000 Diluted 798,000 814,000 CASH FLOW DATA (Dollars in thousands - Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 13,851 $ 18,050 Depreciation and amortization $ 4,694 $ 3,696 Cash paid for capital expenditures $ 5,551 $ 12,588 Notes: Amounts may not sum due to rounding. WEBCO INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands - Unaudited) October 31, July 31, 2024 2024 Current assets: Cash $ 2,485 $ 1,171 U.S. Treasury Bonds 16,103 15,903 Accounts receivable 58,668 70,249 Inventories, net 174,673 169,513 Prepaid expenses 9,303 9,530 Total current assets 261,233 266,366 Property, plant and equipment, net 168,748 168,186 Right of use, finance leases, net 954 1,043 Right of use, operating leases, net 21,891 21,879 Other long-term assets 15,696 15,611 Total assets $ 468,522 $ 473,085 Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 30,230 $ 28,109 Accrued liabilities 32,706 33,066 Current portion of long-term debt, net 43,799 49,115 Current portion of finance lease liabilities 427 429 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 5,178 5,063 Total current liabilities 112,340 115,782 Long-term debt, net of current portion 20,000 20,000 Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion 574 657 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 16,577 16,653 Deferred tax liability 39 886 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 9 9 Additional paid-in capital 54,545 54,256 Retained earnings 264,437 264,842 Total stockholders' equity 318,991 319,107 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 468,522 $ 473,085 Notes: Amounts may not sum due to rounding. CONTACT: Mike Howard Chief Financial Officer (918) 241-1094 mhoward@webcotube.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webco-industries-inc-reports-fiscal-2025-first-quarter-results-302320142.html SOURCE Webco Industries, Inc.Total words: 582
NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit to the delightful . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. became a thing, as did And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: and kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called which makes its awards season debut at the But perhaps the comes from neither film: , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a with boyfriend on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” sings at channeling . And what was made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear was made to play him. His singalong version of is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? and sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre popcorn bucket. Beyonce And carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by the sweaty romance triangle starring and (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, drops then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for and make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to ! releases her , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy shows in London, we see shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, infielder with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by perched on the , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar , rugby player , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker 's act — even the Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: perky pooch does in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, , Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with ? Why it’s , the now-viral mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. does a pretty good laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? herself. The Democratic candidate three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of , and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake . As for , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Director ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers and, in a veritable tidal wave, which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
In recent years, Lululemon, the popular Canadian athletic apparel brand, has been making significant strides in the Chinese market by expanding its presence in county towns. This strategic move has not only increased the company's performance but also positioned it as the fastest-growing brand in China's sports apparel industry. Tabuya calls for action against online gender-based violence
In conclusion, Zuo the Monkey's one-minute interview was a delightful and entertaining spectacle that showcased his unique ability to communicate through emoticons. By combining visual symbols with his charismatic personality, he succeeded in conveying a plethora of emotions and sentiments in a truly captivating manner. With "Zuo the Monkey" as his new persona, Zuo has embraced a fresh identity that encapsulates his playful nature and sense of adventure, proving that sometimes, a simple change in hairstyle can lead to a world of creative possibilities.The Arizona Cardinals are 6-6 through 12 games, which makes them an average football team. That's much better than the previous two years, which both ended with just four wins. But after two straight frustrating losses, it's not providing much consolation for a franchise that feels as though it should be much better.
Taiwan halts Uber's Foodpanda acquisition
Outside of megacap technology companies, I'd argue that data analytics specialist Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 2.09% ) is the hottest name in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm. Palantir marked a lot of milestones this year -- most recently the company's entrance into the Nasdaq-100 index. While Palantir's early days as a public company were pretty rocky, the company has really come into its own over the last two years. Of course, Palantir can credit its current growth trajectory to unprecedented demand for AI. But with shares gaining 764% since its initial public offering (IPO), is now a smart time to invest in Palantir? Below, I'm going to break down Palantir's foray into the AI landscape and take a close look at the company's tailwinds. Moreover, I'll detail a thorough valuation analysis to help you determine if buying Palantir stock is right for you. Why does Palantir stock keep climbing? In April 2023, Palantir launched its fourth software suite, called the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). AIP has been nothing short of a smash for Palantir, helping the company quickly penetrate the private sector and win business over legacy enterprise software incumbents. Palantir's revenue diversification (away from its almost exclusively public sector base up until two years ago) resulted in better margins, consistent profitability, and excess cash flow. Furthermore, throughout much of 2024 Palantir has partnered with several names in big tech including Microsoft , Oracle , Meta Platforms , and Amazon . The primary focus of many of these partnerships is to marry their respective cloud computing infrastructures with AIP, specifically in classified environments with the U.S. military and adjacent defense operations. In other words, while Palantir continues to make headway in its commercial segment, the company has quietly found new avenues to reaccelerate growth in its legacy government business . Palantir's success in the AI landscape has led to a flurry of buying activity in the stock from a combination of retail investors and notable institutional funds. While this all appears like a recipe that makes Palantir a no-brainer investment, the company's run may be becoming disconnected with reality when it comes to valuation. Valuing Palantir is tough Valuing Palantir is pretty challenging. In the graph below, I've benchmarked the company against a cohort of other enterprise software companies using the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. At a P/S of 73, Palantir is approximately 3 times more expensive than the next closest comparable stock in this cohort. However, I personally don't see the P/S ratio as all that useful. To me, profitability is a more important measure of a company's growth as it illustrates the ability to reinvest into the business and fund future projects. While Palantir does generate positive net income and free cash flow, the company's profitability profile is nowhere near mature. To add some context here, Palantir currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 403, and a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 167. In either case, it's simply not appropriate to measure Palantir using traditional earnings-based valuation methodologies. PLTR PS Ratio data by YCharts . One final line of defense is to look at the PEG ratio . The PEG ratio can be useful because it accounts for earnings growth over the course of several years. A general rule of thumb is that a PEG ratio above 1 signals the stock could be overvalued. Right now, Palantir's PEG ratio is 3.5. By all accounts, Palantir is an expensive stock to own at its current valuation. Moreover, the stock's current valuation expansion (as seen above) isn't over, and the momentum doesn't appear to be slowing down. Is Palantir stock a buy right now? While Palantir stock is undoubtedly pricey, I don't see it as a stock to ignore. The company has done an impressive job diversifying its business by penetrating the private sector, while also identifying creative ways to reaccelerate its government business through the power of strategic partnerships with big tech and other defense contractors. I do see Palantir as a company that will remain a leader in the AI revolution, and so I think it's likely that even better days are ahead for investors. I think the best strategy regarding an investment in Palantir is to dollar-cost average over a long-term time horizon, as well as looking to bolster a position by taking advantage of sell-offs and valuation resets.NoneWASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. As a result, flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% of the airline's 3,901 domestic and international flights leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Nineteen flights were canceled. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the FOS system. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Hours after the ground stop was lifted, Tajer said the union had not heard about any “chaos out there beyond just the normal heavy travel day.” He said officials were watching for any cascading effects, such as staffing problems. On social media, however, customers expressed frustrations about delays that caused them or their family members to miss connecting flights. One person asked if American planned to hold flights for passengers to make connections, while others complained about the lack of assistance they said they received from the airline or gate agents. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights were departing within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — were arriving at their destinations as scheduled. Dallas-Fort Worth, New York’s Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays, Cirium said. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site had not posted any American Airlines flights on Tuesday morning, but showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms were developing in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have “interline agreements” that let them put stranded customers on another carrier’s flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That’s because finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. “Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation’s highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. Boston, New York City, Seattle and Washington are the metropolitan areas primed for the greatest delays, according to the company. Associated Press writers David Koenig, Mae Anderson and Mike Pesoli contributed to this report.
The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the ongoing investigation: Where was the man captured? Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. What evidence did police find? In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun , a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a suppressor, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. What do we know about Mangione? Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. A swarm of reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to his obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione. A spokesman for the lawmaker's office confirmed the relationship Monday. The shooting and a quick escape Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspected shooter exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report.
As the season progresses and the team continues to strive for success, the enduring legacy of Huo and Liu will continue to shine bright on the court. Their unwavering determination and commitment to excellence serve as a reminder that in the world of basketball, true greatness knows no bounds. Fans can only hope that Zhu Fangyu will learn from this experience and make decisions that will benefit the team in the long run, ensuring a prosperous future for all involved.